ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
48 Gati Shakti Multi-modal Cargo Terminals commissioned till 30th June, 2023
In order to boost investment from industry in setting up of cargo terminals, ‘Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal ’ policy has been launched, wherein GCTs are being developed by non-railway agencies.
Upto 30th June, 2023, a total of 48 GCTS have been commissioned across the country, which include 05 GCTs  in Jharkhand.
As per the provisions of the GCT policy, private parties/agencies/companies come forward to setup terminals. Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Operators are expected to complete the construction within twenty-four months from grant of ‘In-Principle-Approval’.
The GCT policy helps in enhancing the participation of private sector in Indian Railways, thereby generating direct and indirect employment opportunities. The number cannot be ascertained as it has a multiplier effect in employment generation.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
PIB Headquarters
Gold worth Rs. 37 lakhs seized by Customs at Chennai Airport
On Friday Sivakumar Palaniyandi ,42, and Sagay Mary,35, who had arrived from Colombo by Indigo Flight 6E 1204 and Srilankan Airline flight UL 125 were intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold . The personal search of Sivakumar resulted in the recovery of assorted gold jewellery of 94 % purity, weighing 525 grams valued at Rs.19.5 lakhs and that of Sagay Mary resulted in recovery of assorted gold jewellery of 22 K purity weighing 128 gms valued at Rs 4.7 lakhs and 320 grams of gold valued at Rs 12.6 lakhs was recovered from gold paste which was concealed in rectum.
In total gold weighing 973 gms valued at 37 lakhs was recovered and same seized under Customs Act 1962.
Further Investigation is under progress.
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Central Consumer Protection Authority continues to work towards the protection of the interest and rights consumers
Show cause notices issued to companies for misleading and misguiding advertisements during Covid-19 pandemic
After its establishment, the Central Consumer Protection Authority has been taking proactive action for the protection of the interest and rights of the consumers. One of the functions of the CCPA envisaged in the Act is to review the matters relating to, and the factors inhibiting enjoyment of, consumer rights, including safeguards provided for the protection of consumers under any other law for the time being in force and recommend appropriate remedial measures for their effective implementation.
Observing that several advertisements are being issued during the COVID-19 pandemic to mislead and misguide the consumers relating to several consumer goods/products, the CCPA has, suo-moto, issued show cause notices to companies in the sectors like water purifier, paints, floor cleaner, apparel, disinfectant, furniture etc.The action of CCPA will certainly deter the unscrupulous traders from launching misleading advertisements to exploit the sentiments of the consumers for cheap commercial profits.Notice has also been issued to Cab Aggregators for resorting to unfair trade practice with regard to refund of excess fare charged.
The CCPA will continue to work towards the protection of the interest and rights of the consumers. On analysis of the consumer grievances received in the National Consumer Helpline, the CCPA has recently taken up the matter of failed/cancelled transactions while using inter-banking services by the consumers like IMPS, UPI etc where money has not been refunded to the consumer or where the timeline for settlement of such claims has not been adhered to, with the sector regulator, the Reserve Bank of India with a view to protect the rights of the consumers.
The CCPA has also asked the Insurance Regulator, the IRDAI, to look into the delay in getting the claim amount by the consumers and take up the consumer grievances with the Insurance Companies to adhere to the time lines stipulated in the IRDAI Protection of Policyholders' interest Regulations, 2017.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has been established w.e.f.24th July, 2020 under section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the interests of public and consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.It can conduct investigations into violation of consumer rights and institute complaints / prosecution, order recall of unsafe goods and services, order discontinuation of unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements, impose penalties on manufacturers/endorsers/publishers of misleading advertisements.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Percentage of Population as Minorities
Government notifies the minorities as per Section 2 of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, and the Central Government has so far notified six communities as minority communities namely Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains.
The term “Minority” is not used in Census. However, data on all religions as reported by the people of India are collected in each Census. The last Census was conducted in 2011 and the Population of Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist and Muslim of India  as per Census 2011 is given below:
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Sikh
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Christian
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Jain
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Buddhist
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Muslim
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20,833,116
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27,819,588
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4,451,753
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8,442,972
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172,245,158
The Census data is also available online at www.censusindia.gov.in and the specific data can be accessed from the link https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/Religion_PCA.html. .
This information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN AIR FORCE TO PARTICIPATE IN EXERCISE DESERT FLAG VIII
FIRST INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE OUTSIDE INDIA FOR LCA TEJAS
An Indian Air Force contingent comprising of 110 Air Warriors has arrived at Al Dhafra airbase of United Arab Emirates for participating in Exercise Desert Flag VIII. The IAF would be participating with five LCA Tejas and two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. This is the first occasion when the LCA Tejas shall participate in an international flying exercise outside India.
Exercise Desert Flag is a multilateral air exercise in which Air Forces from UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, Republic of Korea, and USA would also be participating. The exercise is scheduled from 27 Feb 23 to 17 Mar 23.
The aim of the exercise is to participate in diverse fighter engagements and learn from the best practices of various Air Forces.
Special Service and Features
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS ORGANIZED MANAK MANTHAN
AN INTERACTION PROGRAMME ON MANAK MANTHAN on IS 17923: 2022 Physical Activity, Sports and Injury Management ─ Guidelines for Safety in Educational Institutions and Community Sports Academies & IN CHENNAI TODAY
Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification , Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.
BIS has started organizing new series of discussion-programmes titled “Manak Manthan” for the benefit of industry which is scheduled on every month, and is envisaged to launch new standards and share important revisions / amendments and wide circulation drafts to local manufacturers, Industrial and Trade Bodies, Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, PSU’s or organizations who use such products, Government departments, Regulatory bodies, Laboratories, Civil society groups and Academia.
In this regard, Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office –II organised the MANAK MANTHAN on “IS 17923: 2022 Physical Activity, Sports and Injury Management ─ Guidelines for Safety in Educational Institutions and Community Sports Academies & in Chennai Today. In order to keep the safety of participants and avoid injury in the playground during physical activities and sports, the Bureau of Indian Standards through Health, Fitness and Sports Services Sectional Committee, SSD 05, has formulated an indigenous Indian Standard IS17923:2022–Physical Activity, Sports and Injury Management ─ Guidelines for Safety in Educational Institutions and Community Sports Academies.
This standard is intended for use by the primary school teachers, middle and secondary school oﬃcials, community sports academies, equipment manufacturers, purchasers and installers, playground designers, architects, engineers and designers concerned with public playground safety. These guidelines would help the decision makers in developing and implementing
a systematic safety management programme for physical activities and sports in educational institutions and community sports academies. The specifications of Standard starting from raw material requirements to testing were discussed. The comments received were noted for further improvement in the draft standard.
The Chief Guest of the Programme, Dr.George Abraham, Principal,YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai , gave his inaugural speech. Smt.G.Bhavani, Scientist-E, Director & Head  explained the Programme Objectives. Shri Gowththam,Scientist-D welcomed the gathering and conducted the technical sessions along with Shri Kannan Govindraj,Scientist-D,BIS.
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Ministry of Defence
Government Contracts World Class Bullet Proof Jackets for Army Under ‘Make In India’ Initiative
A major contract through capital procurement route, for procurement of 1,86,138 Bullet Proof Jackets  has been signed. The impending requirement of the Indian Army for effective BPJs, has been met after successful conduct of stringent field evaluation trials.
The contracted BPJs have contemporary and state-of-the-art specifications with added protectional level and coverage area. These ergonomically designed BPJs have modular parts, thereby providing immense protection and flexibility to soldiers operating in different operational situations ranging from long distance patrolling to high risk room intervention scenarios. The new BPJs will provide 360 degree protection to the soldier in combat, including from latest hard steel core bullets.
The concerns for BPJs for the Indian Army, have been raised at the highest levels, even in the civil domain and media reports amidst heightened security situation, along the borders and in the hinterland in the disturbed areas. The provisioning of this operationally urgent and very critical equipment concerning personal ballistic protection, will boost the confidence of the soldier and provide moral ascendency to security forces.
The case was processed as a ‘Buy Indian’. The provision of these new BPJs was done by Indian manufacturers who were successful in the trials. This has given an impetus to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government, and provides confidence that the Indian Industry is capable of fulfilling the requirements of Indian Army for its personal protective equipment.
Manoj Tuli
APRO 
(Visitor Counter : 682
Vice President's Secretariat
Cycling is the best and cheapest form of exercise to keep our-self healthy: Vice President
Every city must have dedicated cycle tracks; Use of bicycles must be incentivized;
Flags off Bicycle Rally on the occasion of first World Bicycle Day
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that cycling is the best and cheapest form of exercise to keep our-self healthy and people must be encouraged to adopt such environment friendly mode of transport.
Addressing the gathering of cyclists and environmentalists after inaugurating the Bicycle Rally and inaugurating Smart Cycle Station for Public Bike Sharing in NDMC on the occasion of the first World Bicycle Day, here today, the Vice President said that the campaign to promote the use of bicycle must be taken up on a sustained basis and it should not be confined to a ritualistic exercise on World Bicycling Day. The Union Minister for Science & Technology; Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Talking about the rising pollution levels, the Vice President said that many cities the world over have virtually turned into chimneys due to pollution and the gases emitted from vehicles. He said that the time has come for cities and other urban places to promote bicycling in a big way. Dedicated bicycling tracks to be created in our cities and people have to be encouraged to pedal their way to better health, he added.
The Vice President said that one should not see World Bicycle Day as a mere symbolic exercise and said that it addresses two most pressing problems like growing environmental pollution and rising lifestyle diseases. Bicycling will greatly help in reducing adverse health outcomes. Apart from burning calories, strengthening muscles and promoting fitness, bicycling daily will reduce the risk for heart diseases and cancers, he added.
The Vice President also complemented the authorities of NDMC for starting Smart Cycle Station for Public Bike Sharing in the National Capital and said that similar initiatives are needed elsewhere in the country and the youth in particular must take full advantage of such facilities.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NCW Organizes Two-Day Women's Conclave in Chhattisgarh
The National Commission for Women  is organizing a two-Day Women's Conclave in Chhattisgarh to promote the economic empowerment of women in the state in collaboration with Bhilai Mahila Mahavidyalaya. The first day of the program concluded today at Marwahi in the Bilaspur district, and was attended by tribal women of the area.
Chairperson, National Commission for Women Ms Rekha Sharma participated in the programme as Chief Guest. Member of Parliament Ms Saroj Pandey also graced the occasion. Ms. Sharma shared her insights with the tribal women present there. During her interaction with the women, Ms Sharma shared information about different government programs and initiatives for betterment of women and motivated them to pursue their goals. Her guidance on government schemes gave the women a better understanding of the resources available to them, and how they could take advantage of them.
The objective of the program was to interact with the village women and to guide them on how to improve their economic condition. The program aimed to make the women aware of the various government schemes running for their monetary and financial help through different financial institutions like banks, KVIC, etc.
The second day of the event will be held on March 25th at Bhilai, Durg, and will be attended by women SHGs of the area. The objective of the program will be to share in-depth knowledge of how they can improve the quality of their work and help reach a wider audience. The main motive of the program is to economically strengthen women.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet approves MoUs signed between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval for the MoUs between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors.
Benefits:
- The MoU shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors, as defined by the United Nations international Drug Control Conventions.
- Under the MoU, there is a provision for the exchange of relevant information as well as methods, identities and suspicious activities of producers, smugglers and traffickers of narcotic drugs, details of trafficking of NDPS and Precursors Chemicals on requisitions and financial details of the traffickers arrested on drug related charges.
- Under the MoU, there is also a provision for notification of the details of the arrested citizen of the other Party for committing the crime of illicit trafficking or smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors and consular access to the arrested person.
- The MoU also provides for exchange of chemical reports/analysis of narcotic drug, psychotropic substances and chemical precures seized within the territory of either party and data/information about illegal laboratories of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precures and their technical specifications.
Background
Illegal Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade. Massive production and circulation of drugs through various convenient routes especially through Afghanistan is paving ways for high consumption of drugs amongst youth thus creating a negative impact on public health and adding to criminalization of the society. Drug trafficking has also provided funding for insurgency and terrorism in various regions throughout the world. Narco-terrorists and international criminal organizations that thrive on the illegal drug trade now threaten the security of many nations.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister's meeting with President of the United States of America
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a warm and productive meeting with His Excellency Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States of America, on 24 September 2021.
This was the first in-person meeting of the two Leaders after President Biden assumed office in January 2021. The leaders took the opportunity to review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation further. Prime Minister said that India and USA were entering a decade of transformation, based on the pillars of tradition of democratic values, technology, trade, talent of our people, trusteeship of nature, and above all, trust. The leaders welcomed the forthcoming bilateral dialogues in various sectors, including the annual 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue of Foreign and Defense Ministers, which would identify priorities for future.
The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 situation and ongoing India-US collaboration to contain the pandemic. In this context President Biden appreciated India’s ongoing vaccination efforts, and our global outreach to provide Covid assistance.
Recognising that there was immense scope for further enhancing bilateral trade, both leaders agreed that the next Trade Policy Forum would be convened later this year to identify measures which would boost commercial linkages. Under the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership, they agreed to accelerate clean energy development and deployment of critical technologies. Acknowledging the large Indian Diaspora in USA, Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties between the two nations and the mutual benefits of facilitating mobility and expanding higher education linkages.
The Leaders exchanged views on regional developments in South Asia, including the situation in Afghanistan, and reiterated their shared commitment to work together to counter global terrorism; and condemned cross-border terrorism. They called on the Taliban to adhere to their commitments, respect the human rights of all Afghans, and allow unhindered humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Given their long-term commitment to the Afghan people, both leaders agreed that India and USA would continue to closely coordinate with each other and their partners towards an inclusive and peaceful future for all Afghans.
The Leaders also exchanged views about the Indo-Pacific region, and reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
India and the USA also agreed to continue working together in international organisations, given their convergence of strategic perspectives and shared interests on global issues such as climate change and terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi invited President Biden and the First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to visit India. The two leaders agreed to continue their high-level dialogue, advance the robust bilateral ties and enrich their global partnership.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to inaugurate activities related to ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ on 12th March
PM to flag off Padyatra from Sabarmati Ashram
PM to also launch various initiatives planned under India@75 and address the gathering at Sabarmati Ashram.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off the ‘Padyatra’  from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad on 12th March 2021 & inaugurate the curtain raiser activities of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ . Prime Minister will also launch various other cultural and digital initiatives for the India@75 celebrations and will also address the gathering at Sabarmati Ashram. Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat, Union MoS Shri Prahalad Singh Patel and Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani will also be present on the occasion, scheduled to commence at 10:30 AM.
Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav
Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav is a series of events to be organised by the Government of India to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. The Mahotsav will be celebrated as a Jan-Utsav in the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari.
A National Implementation Committee headed by the Home Minister has been constituted to chalk out policies and planning of various events to be undertaken under the Commemoration. The curtain raiser activities are beginning from 12th March 2021, 75 weeks prior to 15th August 2022.
Padyatra
The Padyatra to be flagged off by PM, will be undertaken by 81 marchers from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to Dandi in Navsari, a journey of 241 miles that will end on 5th April, lasting for 25 days. The Padyatra will be joined by different groups of people on the way to Dandi. Union Minister Shri Prahalad Singh Patel, will lead the first lap of 75 kilometers of the padyatra.
Curtain Raiser Initiatives under India@75
The event will witness the inauguration of the curtain raiser activities planned under the theme India@75 like a film, website, song, Aatmanirbhar Charkha and Aatmanirbhar Incubator.
Along with the above initiatives, a cultural program presenting the celebration of the indomitable spirit of the country will also be organized. It will include music, dance, recitation, reading of the Preamble . Depicting the youth power, as the future of India there will be 75 voices in the choir as well as 75 dancers in the event.
State and UT Governments are also organizing programs all over India on 12th March, 2021. In addition to these programs, The Archaeological Survey of India and Zonal Cultural Centres under the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Youth Affairs and TRIFED have planned various activities to mark the occasion.